A Disenchanting New Year: Charles

A Disenchanting New Year; Charles

It’s not anything extravagant, but you still think this might be in the top ten moments of your life. Watching the New Year’s special on television with Charlie while eating homemade pozole definitely feels like heaven. Especially with the way he leans into you, his legs half tangled with yours, his quiet little huffs of laughter making your blood rush.

“I’m really glad we didn’t actually go to the square,” He says, looking at the giant crowd that had amassed to watch the ball drop live, “Just look at all those people.”

“And it’s cold,” You encourage, “Much nicer insider.”

“Much nicer with my personal heater.” He grins, nudging your shoulder.

“Ah, hey, watch it. I spill soup on this couch and Vik will have my head.” You say, steadying your bowl.

“Eh,” Charlie snickers, “You’ll be fine. He never stays mad at you.”

“Fine. You make me spill this, and I call your moms.”

His eyes grow wide, “Judas.”

“You’ll have forced my hand,” You say with an air of grim finality.

“Fine then, hurry up and eat so we can cuddle.” He huffs, sitting back, “You’re so slow.”

“Sorry I don’t inhale it,” You smirk over at him, “Like someone I know.”

“I’m a good cook,” Charlie shrugs.

“You are,” You confirm, “You only had to call your mom, like, three times.”

He goes to pinch your side and you swat him away, smiling. You finish the last bit of soup, sitting the bowl on the coffee table with his before leaning back and lifting your arm. He dives under it immediately, and you both end up wrapped around each other with a blanket on the couch.

“You know,” He says once you’ve both settled, “I heard some of those people wear diapers.”

“What?” You ask, aghast as you look at the merriment on screen.

It’s hard to believe, but it makes sense. They are basically trapped there all day if they want a good view of the ball drop.

“Yeah. Mama sent me some post on Facebook. Most of them wear, like, adult diapers.” He confirms, “It’s crazy. Oh, she also said to tell you she wants us to fly out next Christmas. Mom agreed.”

Charlie’s mothers had taken a quick liking to you, and for that you’re immensely grateful. They both even insisted you call them mom as well.

“Thinking a bit far ahead, but it’s not like I have anywhere to be.” You shrug, “Though Mrs. Orlov might be sad. I think she liked having everyone over this holiday.”

“We can FaceTime in.” He says, “Or celebrate with them after we get back.”

“We’ll discuss later,” You laugh slightly, “We have a whole year to think of something.”

He presses further into your side, his arms wrapping around your waist, “Sounds good.”

You hold him close as the clock slowly but steadily ticks down to midnight, the pops of fireworks coming from the TV and outside. At five minutes out, you feel him shifting beside you. When you glance over, his eyes are already locked on your face.

“I love you, you know.” He whispers.

You can’t help but feel like your heart is doing an acrobatics routine in your chest.

“I love you, too.” You say in return, reaching up to brush a curl behind his ear.

His grin is infectious as he leans forward and presses a kiss to your mouth, his lips full and soft. You reel him in closer, one hand on his face and one on his shoulder. He’s on top of you, all over you, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

When the new year arrives minutes later, you don’t have to go out of your way to seek a kiss. You’re already wrapped up in each other.